 |
|
|
| |
 |
 |
 |
Click here to visit
our new, secure Xplosion online store! |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
History
The Atlanta Xplosion, formerly the Atlanta Leopards, was established in 2003, and joined
the IWFL as an exhibition team.
The new team was purchased by Phil Beniamino and named by his daughter Kylie. Phil's
wife Denise played his position, linebacker, for the team and even wore her husband's
number (#33). The team's official colors were red, black and silver and they played
at Clark Atlanta University. At the time, the team was coached by Marcus Dawson, John
Singleton and Phil Beniamino. They finished the season with a 9-1 record.
In 2004, the Xplosion became a fully licensed team. They finished the season with a
5-5 record, and the coaching staff mostly remained the same with one addition of
Coach Zeric Foster.
2005 was a much better year for the Xplosion. Not only did the team change their home
field location to Campbell High School, but they also finished the season with a 12-1
record and won the Eastern Conference Championships. Their only loss that season came
in the IWFL World Championship Game versus the Sacramento Sirens in Manchester, NH. The
final score for that game was 9-6. The team was led by Phil Beniamino, Charlene Vance,
Craig Couchoud, Zeric Foster and Offensive Line Coach Mario D'Elia.
In 2006, the Atlanta Xplosion changed hands to its current owner, Takela Corbitt. Takela
was also an Xplosion player, playing running back and fullback for the team for 3
seasons. The coaching staff remained in tact, but their season was even better. Not
only did they finish with a 10-1 record, but they also won the Eastern Conference
Championship for the second year in a row, avenging the previous season's loss. They
went on to win the IWFL World Championship, beating the Detroit Demolition in Long
Beach, CA 21-14.
In 2007, the Xplosion found a new home at Roswell High School where they currently reside.
They were coached to a 10-1 season and an Eastern Conference Championship for the third
season in a row. The coaching staff had been mostly refreshed under the leadership of
new head coach Mario D'Elia. His staff would include Zeric Foster, first year offensive
coordinator Charmaine Chin, Ronald Rankin, Jody Kerse and Marco McInness. The Xplosion
also found themselves back in the IWFL World Championship Game for the third season in
a row, facing a rematch of the 2006 Championship game. With the largest crowd in IWFL
Championship game history, the Demolition defeated the Xplosion 17-7.
Today, the Xplosion franchise continues to grow, giving thousands of people in the
Atlanta area an opportunity to experience women's tackle football. The Xplosion
organization continues to reach out to the community with numerous partnerships,
such as the Boys and Girls Club, the Girls Scouts, GoGoGirl, Hosea Feed the Hungry,
and a plethora of speaking engagements pushing our female youth to be active and
courageous.
|
|
|
